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Lonely Planet Experiences: Kathmandu Cultural Walking Tour with Cooking Lesson
Recommended for your Kathmandu trip
Free Cancellation
up to 24 hours in advance
5 hours (Approx.)
Mobile ticket
Offered in: English
Good for avoiding crowds
Keeping you safe during COVID-19
Overview
Immerse yourself in the daily rhythms of life in Kathmandu during this small-group guided walking tour, ending with a cooking lesson and lunch at a local family home. Explore Kathmandu on foot, checking out landmarks including the country’s oldest Buddhist stupa, Swayambhunath, and historic Durbar Square, wandering through the area’s bazaars and passing ancient temples and courtyards. Then buy vegetables with your guide (at your own expense) and bring them to the residence of a local family, where you’ll learn to cook a typical Nepalese lunch. Enjoy your tasty meal while chatting with the family about life in the city.
- Cultural tour in Kathmandu
- Walk through the local markets, temples, and courtyards of Durbar Square
- Discover Buddhist and Hindu traditions at Swayambhunath, the oldest Buddhist stupa in Nepal
- Learn about the culture, history, and religion of Nepal from your knowledgeable guide
- Shop (optional) for fresh vegetables and enjoy a hands-on cooking experience in a local family’s home (optional)
- Chat with the locals over your Nepalese lunch
- Small-group tour limited to 12 people ensures a more personalized experience
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Feel like a local as you explore the picturesque neighborhoods of Kathmandu on foot with a guide, finishing your day with a cooking lesson at the home of a Nepalese family. It’s a great way to step off the tourist track and learn about daily life for the friendly residents of this sprawling city.
Begin your day in the morning, meeting your guide at the Hotel Marshyangdi. Join the locals on their morning commutes as you explore the ancient streets of Ason. Pick up fresh ingredients to use for your lunch including vegetables and spices.
Continue to Kathmandu Durbar Square to explore its courtyards, ancient temples, and historic buildings. Listen to stories about Mall kings and learn about Kathmandu's history.
Then take a taxi and drive to Swayambhunath, the oldest stupa in Nepal. See why it's called the "Monkey Temple" as you pass groups of primates who guard the hills near the site. Take in the views of Kathmandu from this hilltop location and see why many use the sit for meditation.
After this spiritual experience, head to your host's home to learn the secrets of Nepalese cooking from this friendly family as you prepare your meal in their inviting kitchen. Once the food is ready, sit down to lunch and enjoy shared conversation with the family, with interpreter services provided by your guide. At the end of your meal, head back to the original starting point to finish your trip.
Begin your day in the morning, meeting your guide at the Hotel Marshyangdi. Join the locals on their morning commutes as you explore the ancient streets of Ason. Pick up fresh ingredients to use for your lunch including vegetables and spices.
Continue to Kathmandu Durbar Square to explore its courtyards, ancient temples, and historic buildings. Listen to stories about Mall kings and learn about Kathmandu's history.
Then take a taxi and drive to Swayambhunath, the oldest stupa in Nepal. See why it's called the "Monkey Temple" as you pass groups of primates who guard the hills near the site. Take in the views of Kathmandu from this hilltop location and see why many use the sit for meditation.
After this spiritual experience, head to your host's home to learn the secrets of Nepalese cooking from this friendly family as you prepare your meal in their inviting kitchen. Once the food is ready, sit down to lunch and enjoy shared conversation with the family, with interpreter services provided by your guide. At the end of your meal, head back to the original starting point to finish your trip.
Itinerary
With your expert local guide, join the early morning stream of locals as they go about their daily activities in the ancient streets of Ason. Pick up some fresh vegetables, purchase some aromatic spices and all the other necessary ingredients for a local lunch (the purchase is optional; it’s your choice and we’ll put all our confidence in you to find the right ingredients!)
Offer your prayers like the locals do at the majestic temples in Kathmandu Durbar Square, then visit Swoyambhunath, also known as the “Monkey Temple” atop a hillock. Follow the path of Hindu and Buddhist devotees, circling the holy stupa and spinning the prayer wheels.
After the spiritual experience of mesmerizing wafts of incense, hypnotic chants of prayers and the surreal sound of ringing bells, head to your local hosts' home. Lead the way or lend a hand as your host unveils the secrets of Nepalese cooking. Truly Kathmandu living - just like a local!
Duration: 6 hours
Admission Ticket Included
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Product code: 5076NPUB
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